Day 294 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 21 October 2023 reflections
Day 294, 21 October 2023
1) Luke 12:35-59
Luke 13:1-21
John 9
Luke 12:35-59
Watchful Servants
Mt 24:45-51
35 (Eph 6:14; 1Pe 1:13) "Let your waist be girded and your lights be burning,
36 (Rev 3:20) and you be like men waiting for their master to return from
the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door immediately for him
when he comes and knocks.
37 (Mt 24:42) Blessed are those servants whom the master will find
watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will dress himself
and have them sit down to dine, and he will come and serve them.
38 If he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch,
and finds them so, blessed are those servants.
39 (Mt 24:43-44; 2Pe 3:10) But know this: If the owner of the house
had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched
and not have allowed his house to be broken into.
40 Therefore be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at
an hour you do not expect."
41 (Mk 13:37) Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You telling
this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42 (Mt 24:45-46; Lk 19:15-19) The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful
and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house servants,
to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will appoint him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master delays his coming,'
and begins to beat the house servants, both men and women,
and to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 (Lk 12:40) the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not
look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him to pieces
and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 (Jas 4:17; Dt 25:2-3) "That servant who knew his master's will,
but did not prepare himself or do according to his will,
shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 (Lev 5:17; 1Ti 1:13) But he who unknowingly committed acts
worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes.
For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required.
And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.
[35] Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
[36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will
return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open
unto him immediately.
[37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find
watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them
to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
[38] And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,
and find them so, blessed are those servants.
[39] And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the
thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to
be broken through.
[40] Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when
ye think not.
[41] Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or
even to all?
[42] And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his
lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat
in due season?
[43] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so
doing.
[44] Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he
hath.
[45] But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink,
and to be drunken;
[46] The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for
him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and
will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
[47] And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
[48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be
much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the
more.
Jesus the Cause of Division
Mt 10:34-36
49 "I have come to send fire upon the earth
and wish that it were already kindled!
50 (Jn 19:30) But I have a baptism to be baptized with,
and how pressed I am until it is accomplished!
51 (Mt 10:34-36) Do you suppose that I have come to give peace on earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
52 For there will be from now on five divided in one house,
three against two and two against three.
53 (Mic 7:6) They will be divided, father against son
and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother,
and mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law."
[49] I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already
kindled?
[50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till
it be accomplished!
[51] Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but
rather division:
[52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three
against two, and two against three.
[53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the
father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the
mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in
law against her mother in law.
Discerning the Appointed Time
Mt 16:2-3
54 Then He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rise out of the west,
immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it is.
55 And when a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be heat,' and it happens.
56 (Mt 16:3) You hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky
and of the earth. But why do you not know how to discern this time?
[54] And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the
west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
[55] And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it
cometh to pass.
[56] Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but
how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Settling With Your Accuser
Mt 5:25-26
57 "Why even among yourselves do you not judge what is right?
58 (Mt 5:23-26; 18:30) When you go with your adversary to the magistrate,
as you are on the way, diligently try to settle matters with him,
lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge will hand you over
to the officer, and the officer will throw you into prison.
59 (Mk 12:42; Mt 18:34) I tell you, you shall not come out from there until
you have paid the very last penny.
"Gk. lepton, the smallest coin circulated, means "small" or "thin."
[57] Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
[58] When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in
the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale
thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the
officer cast thee into prison.
[59] I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very
last mite.
Luke 13:1-21
Repent or Perish
1 There were present at that time some who told Him of the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 (Jn 9:2; Ac 28:4) Jesus answered, "Do you suppose that these Galileans
were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered
such things?
3 (Lk 24:47) I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you will all likewise
perish.
4 (Jn 9:7; 9:11) Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell
and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all men
living in Jerusalem?
5 (Lk 13:3) I tell you, no! But unless you repent,
you will all likewise perish."
[1] There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans,
whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
[2] And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans
were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
[3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
[4] Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them,
think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
[5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 Then He told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard.
He came and looked for fruit on it and found none.
7 (Ex 32:10; Mt 7:19) So he said to the vinedresser of his vineyard,
'Now these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree,
and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it deplete the soil?'
8 "He answered him, 'Sir, leave it alone this year also,
until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9 And if it bears fruit, well.
But if not, after that you shall cut it down.'"
[6] He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his
vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
[7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years
I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why
cumbereth it the ground?
[8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till
I shall dig about it, and dung it:
[9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut
it down.
Healing a Woman on the Sabbath
10 (Mt 4:23) He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
11 (Lk 13:16) And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity
for eighteen years and was bent over and could not straighten herself up.
12 When Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her,
"Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity."
13 (Mk 5:23; Lk 18:43) Then He laid His hands on her,
and immediately she was made straight and glorified God.
14 (Ex 20:9; Mt 12:2) But the ruler of the synagogue answered
with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath,
and said to the people,
"There are six days in which men ought to work.
Therefore come and be healed on those days, but not on the Sabbath day."
15 (Lk 14:5) The Lord answered him, "You hypocrite! Does not each one
of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall
and lead it away to water it?
16 (Lk 19:9; 3:8) Then should not this woman, being a daughter
of Abraham whom Satan has bound these eighteen years,
be loosed from this bondage on the Sabbath?"
17 (Ps 132:18; 1Pe 3:16) When He said this, all His adversaries were ashamed.
And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
[10] And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
[11] And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen
years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
[12] And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman,
thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
[13] And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight,
and glorified God.
[14] And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that
Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six
days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and
not on the sabbath day.
[15] The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one
of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him
away to watering?
[16] And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath
bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath
day?
[17] And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed:
and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by
him.
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Mt 13:31-33; Mk 4:30-32
18 (Lk 13:20) Then He said, "What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall
I compare it?
19 (Mt 17:20) It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took
and planted in his garden. It grew and became a large tree,
and the birds of the air nested in its branches."
20 Again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21 (Mt 13:33; 1Co 5:6) It is like yeast, which a woman took
and hid in sixty pounds (Gk. 3 sata, or 27 kilograms.)
of meal until all of it was leavened."
[18] Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall
I resemble it?
[19] It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his
garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged
in the branches of it.
[20] And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
[21] It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of
meal, till the whole was leavened.
John 9
John 9
The Healing of a Man Born Blind
1 As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.
2 (Jn 9:34; Ex 20:5) His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man
or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3 (Jn 11:4) Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned.
But it happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
4 (Jn 12:35; 4:34) I must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
5 (Jn 8:12; 12:46) While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6 (Mk 7:33; 8:23) When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made
clay with the saliva. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 (Jn 11:37; Isa 35:5) and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam"
(which means "Sent"). So he went away and washed, and returned seeing.
8 The neighbors and those who had previously seen that he was blind said,
"Is this not he who sat and begged?"
9 Some said, "This is he."
Others said, "He is like him."
But he said, "I am he."
10 So they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?"
11 (Jn 9:6-7) He answered, "A Man called Jesus made clay, anointed my eyes,
and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went away
and washed, and I received my sight."
12 They said to him, "Where is He?"
He said, "I do not know."
[1] And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
[2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or
his parents, that he was born blind?
[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him.
[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work.
[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
[6] When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the
spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
[7] And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by
interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
[8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he
was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
[9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
[10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
[11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and
anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash:
and I went and washed, and I received sight.
[12] Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13 They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees.
14 (Jn 5:9) Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay
and opened his eyes.
15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight.
He said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."
16 (Jn 7:43; 10:19) Some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God,
because He does not keep the Sabbath day."
Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?"
So there was division among them.
17 (Jn 4:19; 6:14) Then they said to the blind man again,
"What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?"
He said, "He is a prophet."
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind
and received his sight, until they called the parents
of the one who had received his sight.
19 They asked them, "Is this your son, whom you say was born blind?
How then does he now see?"
20 His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son
and that he was born blind.
21 But how he now sees, we do not know, or who opened his eyes,
we do not know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself."
22 (Jn 7:13; 16:2) His parents said this, because they feared the Jews.
For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed
that He was the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.
23 (Jn 9:21) Therefore his parents said, "He is of age. Ask him."
24 (Jos 7:19; Jn 9:16) So again they called the man who was blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this Man is a sinner.”
25 He said, "I do not know if He is a sinner.
I know one thing: I was blind, but now I see."
26 Then they said to him again, "What did He do to you?
How did He open your eyes?"
27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you also want to become His disciples?"
28 (Ro 2:17) Then they insulted him and said, "You are His disciple,
but we are Moses' disciples.
29 (Jn 8:14) We know that God has spoken to Moses. As for this fellow,
we do not know where He is from."
30 (Jn 3:10; 12:37) The man answered, "Well, here is an amazing thing!
You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.
31 (Pr 15:29; 28:9; Isa 1:15) We know that God does not listen to sinners.
But if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him.
32 Since the world began, it has never been heard that anyone opened
the eyes of someone born blind.
33 (Jn 3:2; 9:16) If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
34 (Jn 9:2; 9:22) They answered him, "You were completely born in sin.
Are you teaching us?" And they threw him out.
[13] They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
[14] And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
[15] Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.
He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
[16] Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because
he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner
do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
[17] They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he
hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
[18] But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind,
and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had
received his sight.
[19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born
blind? how then doth he now see?
[20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and
that he was born blind:
[21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his
eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
[22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the
Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he
should be put out of the synagogue.
[23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
[24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give
God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
[25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one
thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
[26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine
eyes?
[27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear:
wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
[28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are
Moses' disciples.
[29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not
from whence he is.
[30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing,
that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
[31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a
worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
[32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of
one that was born blind.
[33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
[34] They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins,
and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Spiritual Blindness
35 (1Jn 5:13; Jn 10:36) Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
and when He found him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"
36 (Ro 10:14) He answered, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"
37 (Jn 4:26) Jesus said to him, "You have seen Him,
and it is He who speaks with you."
38 (Mt 28:9) Then he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshipped Him.
39 (Lk 4:18; Jn 3:19) Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment,
that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."
40 Some Pharisees who were with Him heard these words,
and said to Him, "Are we also blind?"
41 (Pr 26:12) Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would have no sin.
But now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.
[35] Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he
said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
[36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
[37] And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that
talketh with thee.
[38] And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
[39] And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they
which
see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
[40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and
said unto him, Are we blind also?
[41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now
ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 October 2023 titled
Entitled "Christ, Our True Light"
John 1:1-14, 8:12
he Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing
was created that was created.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,
that all men through Him might believe.
8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify
concerning the Light.
9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6) Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk
in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.
By Patricia Raybon
"Go to the light!" That's what my husband advised as we struggled to find our
way out of a big city hospital on a recent Sunday afternoon. We'd visited a
friend, and when we exited an elevator, we couldn't find anyone during weekend
hours to point us to the front doors-and the brilliant Colorado sunlight.
Roaming around half-lit hallways, we finally encountered a man who saw our
confusion. "These hallways all look the same," he said. "But the exit's this
way." With his directions, we found the exit doors-leading, indeed, to the
bright sunlight.
Jesus invited confused, lost unbelievers to follow Him out of their spiritual
darkness. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). In His light, we can
see stumbling blocks, sin, and blind spots, allowing Him to remove such
darkness from our lives as He shines His light into our hearts and on our
path. Like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness,
Christ's light brings us God's presence, protection, and guidance.
As John explained, Jesus is "the true light" (John 1:9) and "the darkness has
not overcome it" (v. 5). Instead of wandering through life, we can seek Him
for direction as He lights the way.
What areas in your life need the purifying light of Christ?
When you seek His light, what stumbling blocks will you avoid?
In a world filled with darkness,
shine Your true light, dear Jesus, in my heart and on my path.
For further study, read
The Intimacy of Prayer: Stepping into God’s Presence.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 7 Break up Your Fallow Ground
Hosea 10:12
12 Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy,
break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.
12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;
break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
When a farmer prepares to plant his crop, a great deal of preparation
is necessary before the seen can be sown. He has to plow up the ground,
turning under the stubble from the previous harvest, harrow the field to
break up the clods, and fertilise- readying the soil for optimum growth.
A fallow field, one that was not planted the previous season, must be
broken and worked so that the seed can find root in the ground.
The Bible likens spiritual growth to raising crops. God is the one
who brings rain and gives growth, but the success or failure
of the seed - both in initial salvation and in ongoing maturity -
is often linked to how well the soil has been prepared.
That preparation isn't always a pleasant or rewarding process.
We may resist the plowing or harrowing that comes through
the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin. We may need to dig up boulders
of bitterness and thistles of anger; we may have to plow under the
stubble of the last crop of lessons, working that mulch deep into our lives.
But the final outcome is worth the effort - even the pain - that
preparation brings. Broken up, harrowed, readied for the seed of God's Word,
we are rich and fertile ground, and the seed of righteousness produces
an abundant crop in us.
Application
a) In what ways have I been "broken up" and "harrowed" by the Holy
Spirit to prepare me for God's work in me?
b) How can I apply these verses to myself? How can I
"sow in righteousness," "reap in mercy," "break up my fallow ground"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 7:23
23 (Isa 8:14-15) "And Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Guiding Presence
Matthew 28:16-20
The Commissioning of the Disciples
Mk 16:14-18; Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Ac 1:6-8
16 (Mt 28:7; 26:32)Then the eleven disciples went away to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 (Mt 28:9) When they saw Him, they worshipped Him. But some doubted.
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things
I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age." Amen.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee,
into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Prince Edward Island
Total population 146300
Muslim population (est.) 1127
Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.
Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims
cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.
More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic
month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at
the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established
in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.
As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.
The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important
for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were
established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to
monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as
shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us intercede together for:
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for repentance in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "In a world filled with darkness,
shine Your true light, dear Jesus, in my heart and on my path."
Pray to the Lord to break up your fallow ground .
Pray to the Lord and pray to be offended by Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to make disciples of Christ.
Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Pray that Christians in India will remain steadfast in their faith amid
familiar and governmental opposition.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Luke 12:35-59
Luke 13:1-21
John 9
Luke 12:35-59
Watchful Servants
Mt 24:45-51
35 (Eph 6:14; 1Pe 1:13) "Let your waist be girded and your lights be burning,
36 (Rev 3:20) and you be like men waiting for their master to return from
the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door immediately for him
when he comes and knocks.
37 (Mt 24:42) Blessed are those servants whom the master will find
watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will dress himself
and have them sit down to dine, and he will come and serve them.
38 If he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch,
and finds them so, blessed are those servants.
39 (Mt 24:43-44; 2Pe 3:10) But know this: If the owner of the house
had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched
and not have allowed his house to be broken into.
40 Therefore be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at
an hour you do not expect."
41 (Mk 13:37) Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You telling
this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42 (Mt 24:45-46; Lk 19:15-19) The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful
and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house servants,
to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will appoint him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master delays his coming,'
and begins to beat the house servants, both men and women,
and to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 (Lk 12:40) the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not
look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him to pieces
and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 (Jas 4:17; Dt 25:2-3) "That servant who knew his master's will,
but did not prepare himself or do according to his will,
shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 (Lev 5:17; 1Ti 1:13) But he who unknowingly committed acts
worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes.
For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required.
And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.
[35] Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
[36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will
return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open
unto him immediately.
[37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find
watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them
to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
[38] And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,
and find them so, blessed are those servants.
[39] And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the
thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to
be broken through.
[40] Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when
ye think not.
[41] Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or
even to all?
[42] And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his
lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat
in due season?
[43] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so
doing.
[44] Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he
hath.
[45] But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink,
and to be drunken;
[46] The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for
him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and
will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
[47] And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
[48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be
much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the
more.
Jesus the Cause of Division
Mt 10:34-36
49 "I have come to send fire upon the earth
and wish that it were already kindled!
50 (Jn 19:30) But I have a baptism to be baptized with,
and how pressed I am until it is accomplished!
51 (Mt 10:34-36) Do you suppose that I have come to give peace on earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
52 For there will be from now on five divided in one house,
three against two and two against three.
53 (Mic 7:6) They will be divided, father against son
and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother,
and mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law."
[49] I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already
kindled?
[50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till
it be accomplished!
[51] Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but
rather division:
[52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three
against two, and two against three.
[53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the
father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the
mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in
law against her mother in law.
Discerning the Appointed Time
Mt 16:2-3
54 Then He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rise out of the west,
immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it is.
55 And when a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be heat,' and it happens.
56 (Mt 16:3) You hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky
and of the earth. But why do you not know how to discern this time?
[54] And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the
west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
[55] And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it
cometh to pass.
[56] Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but
how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Settling With Your Accuser
Mt 5:25-26
57 "Why even among yourselves do you not judge what is right?
58 (Mt 5:23-26; 18:30) When you go with your adversary to the magistrate,
as you are on the way, diligently try to settle matters with him,
lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge will hand you over
to the officer, and the officer will throw you into prison.
59 (Mk 12:42; Mt 18:34) I tell you, you shall not come out from there until
you have paid the very last penny.
"Gk. lepton, the smallest coin circulated, means "small" or "thin."
[57] Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
[58] When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in
the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale
thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the
officer cast thee into prison.
[59] I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very
last mite.
Luke 13:1-21
Repent or Perish
1 There were present at that time some who told Him of the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 (Jn 9:2; Ac 28:4) Jesus answered, "Do you suppose that these Galileans
were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered
such things?
3 (Lk 24:47) I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you will all likewise
perish.
4 (Jn 9:7; 9:11) Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell
and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all men
living in Jerusalem?
5 (Lk 13:3) I tell you, no! But unless you repent,
you will all likewise perish."
[1] There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans,
whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
[2] And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans
were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
[3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
[4] Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them,
think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
[5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 Then He told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard.
He came and looked for fruit on it and found none.
7 (Ex 32:10; Mt 7:19) So he said to the vinedresser of his vineyard,
'Now these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree,
and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it deplete the soil?'
8 "He answered him, 'Sir, leave it alone this year also,
until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9 And if it bears fruit, well.
But if not, after that you shall cut it down.'"
[6] He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his
vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
[7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years
I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why
cumbereth it the ground?
[8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till
I shall dig about it, and dung it:
[9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut
it down.
Healing a Woman on the Sabbath
10 (Mt 4:23) He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
11 (Lk 13:16) And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity
for eighteen years and was bent over and could not straighten herself up.
12 When Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her,
"Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity."
13 (Mk 5:23; Lk 18:43) Then He laid His hands on her,
and immediately she was made straight and glorified God.
14 (Ex 20:9; Mt 12:2) But the ruler of the synagogue answered
with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath,
and said to the people,
"There are six days in which men ought to work.
Therefore come and be healed on those days, but not on the Sabbath day."
15 (Lk 14:5) The Lord answered him, "You hypocrite! Does not each one
of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall
and lead it away to water it?
16 (Lk 19:9; 3:8) Then should not this woman, being a daughter
of Abraham whom Satan has bound these eighteen years,
be loosed from this bondage on the Sabbath?"
17 (Ps 132:18; 1Pe 3:16) When He said this, all His adversaries were ashamed.
And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
[10] And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
[11] And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen
years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
[12] And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman,
thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
[13] And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight,
and glorified God.
[14] And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that
Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six
days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and
not on the sabbath day.
[15] The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one
of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him
away to watering?
[16] And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath
bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath
day?
[17] And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed:
and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by
him.
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Mt 13:31-33; Mk 4:30-32
18 (Lk 13:20) Then He said, "What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall
I compare it?
19 (Mt 17:20) It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took
and planted in his garden. It grew and became a large tree,
and the birds of the air nested in its branches."
20 Again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21 (Mt 13:33; 1Co 5:6) It is like yeast, which a woman took
and hid in sixty pounds (Gk. 3 sata, or 27 kilograms.)
of meal until all of it was leavened."
[18] Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall
I resemble it?
[19] It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his
garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged
in the branches of it.
[20] And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
[21] It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of
meal, till the whole was leavened.
John 9
John 9
The Healing of a Man Born Blind
1 As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.
2 (Jn 9:34; Ex 20:5) His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man
or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3 (Jn 11:4) Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned.
But it happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
4 (Jn 12:35; 4:34) I must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
5 (Jn 8:12; 12:46) While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6 (Mk 7:33; 8:23) When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made
clay with the saliva. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 (Jn 11:37; Isa 35:5) and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam"
(which means "Sent"). So he went away and washed, and returned seeing.
8 The neighbors and those who had previously seen that he was blind said,
"Is this not he who sat and begged?"
9 Some said, "This is he."
Others said, "He is like him."
But he said, "I am he."
10 So they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?"
11 (Jn 9:6-7) He answered, "A Man called Jesus made clay, anointed my eyes,
and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went away
and washed, and I received my sight."
12 They said to him, "Where is He?"
He said, "I do not know."
[1] And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
[2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or
his parents, that he was born blind?
[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him.
[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work.
[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
[6] When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the
spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
[7] And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by
interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
[8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he
was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
[9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
[10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
[11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and
anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash:
and I went and washed, and I received sight.
[12] Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13 They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees.
14 (Jn 5:9) Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay
and opened his eyes.
15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight.
He said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."
16 (Jn 7:43; 10:19) Some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God,
because He does not keep the Sabbath day."
Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?"
So there was division among them.
17 (Jn 4:19; 6:14) Then they said to the blind man again,
"What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?"
He said, "He is a prophet."
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind
and received his sight, until they called the parents
of the one who had received his sight.
19 They asked them, "Is this your son, whom you say was born blind?
How then does he now see?"
20 His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son
and that he was born blind.
21 But how he now sees, we do not know, or who opened his eyes,
we do not know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself."
22 (Jn 7:13; 16:2) His parents said this, because they feared the Jews.
For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed
that He was the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.
23 (Jn 9:21) Therefore his parents said, "He is of age. Ask him."
24 (Jos 7:19; Jn 9:16) So again they called the man who was blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this Man is a sinner.”
25 He said, "I do not know if He is a sinner.
I know one thing: I was blind, but now I see."
26 Then they said to him again, "What did He do to you?
How did He open your eyes?"
27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you also want to become His disciples?"
28 (Ro 2:17) Then they insulted him and said, "You are His disciple,
but we are Moses' disciples.
29 (Jn 8:14) We know that God has spoken to Moses. As for this fellow,
we do not know where He is from."
30 (Jn 3:10; 12:37) The man answered, "Well, here is an amazing thing!
You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.
31 (Pr 15:29; 28:9; Isa 1:15) We know that God does not listen to sinners.
But if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him.
32 Since the world began, it has never been heard that anyone opened
the eyes of someone born blind.
33 (Jn 3:2; 9:16) If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
34 (Jn 9:2; 9:22) They answered him, "You were completely born in sin.
Are you teaching us?" And they threw him out.
[13] They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
[14] And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
[15] Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.
He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
[16] Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because
he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner
do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
[17] They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he
hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
[18] But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind,
and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had
received his sight.
[19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born
blind? how then doth he now see?
[20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and
that he was born blind:
[21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his
eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
[22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the
Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he
should be put out of the synagogue.
[23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
[24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give
God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
[25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one
thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
[26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine
eyes?
[27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear:
wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
[28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are
Moses' disciples.
[29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not
from whence he is.
[30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing,
that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
[31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a
worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
[32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of
one that was born blind.
[33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
[34] They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins,
and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Spiritual Blindness
35 (1Jn 5:13; Jn 10:36) Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
and when He found him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"
36 (Ro 10:14) He answered, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"
37 (Jn 4:26) Jesus said to him, "You have seen Him,
and it is He who speaks with you."
38 (Mt 28:9) Then he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshipped Him.
39 (Lk 4:18; Jn 3:19) Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment,
that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."
40 Some Pharisees who were with Him heard these words,
and said to Him, "Are we also blind?"
41 (Pr 26:12) Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would have no sin.
But now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.
[35] Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he
said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
[36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
[37] And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that
talketh with thee.
[38] And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
[39] And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they
which
see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
[40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and
said unto him, Are we blind also?
[41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now
ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 October 2023 titled
Entitled "Christ, Our True Light"
John 1:1-14, 8:12
he Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing
was created that was created.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,
that all men through Him might believe.
8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify
concerning the Light.
9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6) Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk
in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.
By Patricia Raybon
"Go to the light!" That's what my husband advised as we struggled to find our
way out of a big city hospital on a recent Sunday afternoon. We'd visited a
friend, and when we exited an elevator, we couldn't find anyone during weekend
hours to point us to the front doors-and the brilliant Colorado sunlight.
Roaming around half-lit hallways, we finally encountered a man who saw our
confusion. "These hallways all look the same," he said. "But the exit's this
way." With his directions, we found the exit doors-leading, indeed, to the
bright sunlight.
Jesus invited confused, lost unbelievers to follow Him out of their spiritual
darkness. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). In His light, we can
see stumbling blocks, sin, and blind spots, allowing Him to remove such
darkness from our lives as He shines His light into our hearts and on our
path. Like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness,
Christ's light brings us God's presence, protection, and guidance.
As John explained, Jesus is "the true light" (John 1:9) and "the darkness has
not overcome it" (v. 5). Instead of wandering through life, we can seek Him
for direction as He lights the way.
What areas in your life need the purifying light of Christ?
When you seek His light, what stumbling blocks will you avoid?
In a world filled with darkness,
shine Your true light, dear Jesus, in my heart and on my path.
For further study, read
The Intimacy of Prayer: Stepping into God’s Presence.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 7 Break up Your Fallow Ground
Hosea 10:12
12 Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy,
break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.
12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;
break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
When a farmer prepares to plant his crop, a great deal of preparation
is necessary before the seen can be sown. He has to plow up the ground,
turning under the stubble from the previous harvest, harrow the field to
break up the clods, and fertilise- readying the soil for optimum growth.
A fallow field, one that was not planted the previous season, must be
broken and worked so that the seed can find root in the ground.
The Bible likens spiritual growth to raising crops. God is the one
who brings rain and gives growth, but the success or failure
of the seed - both in initial salvation and in ongoing maturity -
is often linked to how well the soil has been prepared.
That preparation isn't always a pleasant or rewarding process.
We may resist the plowing or harrowing that comes through
the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin. We may need to dig up boulders
of bitterness and thistles of anger; we may have to plow under the
stubble of the last crop of lessons, working that mulch deep into our lives.
But the final outcome is worth the effort - even the pain - that
preparation brings. Broken up, harrowed, readied for the seed of God's Word,
we are rich and fertile ground, and the seed of righteousness produces
an abundant crop in us.
Application
a) In what ways have I been "broken up" and "harrowed" by the Holy
Spirit to prepare me for God's work in me?
b) How can I apply these verses to myself? How can I
"sow in righteousness," "reap in mercy," "break up my fallow ground"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 7:23
23 (Isa 8:14-15) "And Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Guiding Presence
Matthew 28:16-20
The Commissioning of the Disciples
Mk 16:14-18; Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Ac 1:6-8
16 (Mt 28:7; 26:32)Then the eleven disciples went away to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 (Mt 28:9) When they saw Him, they worshipped Him. But some doubted.
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things
I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age." Amen.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee,
into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Prince Edward Island
Total population 146300
Muslim population (est.) 1127
Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.
Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims
cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.
More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic
month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at
the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established
in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.
As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.
The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important
for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were
established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to
monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as
shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us intercede together for:
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for repentance in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "In a world filled with darkness,
shine Your true light, dear Jesus, in my heart and on my path."
Pray to the Lord to break up your fallow ground .
Pray to the Lord and pray to be offended by Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to make disciples of Christ.
Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Pray that Christians in India will remain steadfast in their faith amid
familiar and governmental opposition.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.